Rail fastener



R. PRoNlNl RAIL FASTENER Sept. 29, 1925.

'Filed Jan. 5, 1925 l 2 sheets-sneer 1 r JII'I sept. 29, 1925. 1,555,382

R. PRNINI am. msfrnmx Filed Jan. s, 1925 2 Sheets-,shut 2 Patented Sept, 29, i925.

sereni* oreicsi,

RAIL FASTENER.

Application filed. January 5, 1925. Serial No. 668.

To @ZZ 'aff/1071i if may concer-i f Re it known that l, l.reco Piu citizen of the ifnited States, residing' ai Smith diter, in the county of @el Eloi-te and State of California, hare invented certain new and useful improvements in a Bail Fastener, of which the followingl is a specirication.

The present invention relates to improv inents in devices for securing' rail road rails to ties or sleepers, and the priuiary object of the invention is to provide devices of this character whereby the rail may he rigidly secured to the tie in an eiiectii'e inanner for piei'enti lateral or longitudinal creepingof the rail.

A further object of the inrention is to profide an improved rail fastener einhodying' inovahle nieans which are adapted to he inoif'ed into en? ement with the base Flanges of the rail, and there locked against nierenient laterally from the rail.

A still further object of tie invention to provide an efficient rail fastenin4 dei/ice whereby when the device is n assembled operative relation to the rai, the spilies einployed for retainingthe tie plate upon the tie, will he held against withdrawal from the tie.

Other objects and adyant rfntion will he apparent du e of the following` detailed description. taken in connection w i the accoinpanyinfij drawings, forming` a part of this specitication, and in which drawings?- Figi'ure l a plan View showing a pie fori-ed embodiment of the in,'ent,ionv and shovi'ingr the device in asenihled operative relation to a portion of rail;

Figure 2 a section View talen on line 2-2 of Figure l, looking in the direction of the arr ws;

Figure 3 is a sectional View talren suhstautially on line 3 of gure l, looking' in the direction of the arrows;

Figure Llis a top plan riet-f of a tie plate as used in the forni of invention shown in Figur:V lg

Figures 5 and 6 are top and bottoni plan views, respectively, of the forni of retaining` blocks as shown in Figure l;

"fes

relation to a rail;

operative 8 1s a vertical cross section View Figure showing` a slightly nioditled forni of retaining;v block applied to one side of a rail;

F igure 9 is a plan y'iew showing' a slio'htly inodii'ied forni of the device when used in conjunction with Aguard rail;

Figure l0 is a sectional ri w taken on line lll-l0 of F igure 9, looking); in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 1l is a top plan View of a two rail tie plate as used in the forni of invention as shown in Figure 9;

Figure l2 is a bottoni plan View of a spacing clamp as used in connection with a main and guard rail as illustrated in Figure 9 of the drawings; and,

Figure i3 is a bottoni plan View of a retaining clainp used in the forni of inrention shown in Figure 9 Vof the draivinlgrs.

Referring` to the drawings in detail, and wher-.in similar' reference clniracters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the letter A may generally designate a inain rail of usual construction; B an underlying' sleeper or cross tie for supporting` the rail A; and C the improved rail fastener adajted for rigidly securing' the rail A upon the cross tie B, The fastener C compris a chair or tie plate i? which is adapted to 'oe disposed beneath the hase of the rail A and rest upon the tie l; re taining` blocks E for sliding rior/nient into and out of operative relation with the rai`E A; and means F for locking the retaini :if blocks E in operative relation with the rail 'teferring first to the tie plate D as is employed in connection with the forni of the device as illustrated in Figures l to 8 of the drawings, and which forni is for the purpose of securing a sine/'le rail to its cross tie; thc plate is substantially rectangular shaped in plan, and has provided at each end of its upper face in longitudinal offset relation, longitudinally extending `guideways or dovetailed recesses l0. Extending' longitudinally froin the inner end of each recess l0, and at a point centrally of the recesses, are supporting.;` or gauge blocks ll; and at the outer ends of which, aprtures l2 are provided through which the fastening,`

spilres i3 inay pass. Extending' through the plate D at opposite sides of the inajor axis of each recess l0, and at a point substantially midway of the recesses, are transversely aligned lreyways 14 formed at the upper portion of the plate with elongated slots having enlarged central portions, and beneath which slots enlarged pockets 16 of annular formation are formed for presenting a shoulder beneath the slots 15. depending flange 17 is provided along one longitudinal edge of the tie plate for aiding in preventing creeping of the plate transversally of its supporting tie.

Referring new to the retaining blocks E which are of like construction, each is formed with a base plate 18 having a rail engaging boss 19 formed on the upper face thereof and projecting from one longitudinal edge of the plate at a point midway the length thereof. Formed directly beneath the boss 19, and projecting in a like manner as the boss, is a dovetailed tenen 20 having a slot 21 provided in its forward end; and which slot extends upward for a short distance into the lower portion of the boss 19 in a manner so that when the block is slid laterally toward the rail with the tenon 20 fitting in the iecess 10, the upwardly and outwardly inclined top wall of the slot 21 will engage the head of the spike 13 for forcing the spike into firm Contact with the base flange and also prevent the spike from moving upwardly. When inoved into this position, the forward end of the tenon 2O will straddle the shank of the spike with the divided portions 20 of the tenon lying at each side of the supporting bl ck 11 and underlying a portion of the base flange of the rail for holding` the rail engaging boss 19 in contact with the upper portion of the base flange of the rail. Extending through the base plate 18 at each side of the boss 19, and adjacent the inner edge of the plate, are slots 22 conforming to the shape of the slots 15 forming a part of the keyways let provided in the tie plate D. Provided adjacent each of the slots 22, and extending through the plate 1S, are apertures 23 which preferably flare outwardly at their lower portions, and the object of these apertures will be subsequently set forth.

lVith reference to Figure S, the retaining block E is provided with an enlarged rail engaging' boss 19 for engaging the web of the rail and the under portion of one side of the upper flange of the rail. This forni of retaining block is especially well adapted for use at curves where a greater tilting strain is placed upon the rails.

The means F for locking the retaining blocks E in operative relation with the rail A, consists of a key formed with a head 24 having a laterally extending arin 25, a shank 2G depending from the head, and having provided at the lower end of the shank, lugs or wings 27. An aperture 28 is provided in the free end of the arm 25 for permitting passage of a retaining pin 29 for retaining the key in a locked position.

In practice` the rail A is placed on the tie plate D with the longitudinal edges of the base flange aligned with the outer ends of the supporting blocks 11. The spikes 13 may then be driven through the apertures 12 for retaining the rail in position upon the tie plate, and rigidly securing the tie plate to the cross tie B. The retaining blocks E may then be slid .laterally toward the rail with the dovetailed tenons 2O moving in the dovetailed recesses 10, until the slots 22 of the blocks align with the similarly extending slots 15 of the keyways 14, and in which position the divided portions 20 of the tenon will lie in surface contact with the lower face of the rail base, and the boss 19 will lie in surface contact with the upper face of the rail base for firmly retaining the rail in a non-tilting position upon the tie plate D. rllie shanks of the keys F may then be inserted in the aligned slots 15 and 22 by alignment of the wings with the slots, and when fully inserted, given a quarter turn or turned until the aperture 28 aligns with the aperture 23, and in which position the wings 27 will lie beneath the shoulder formed in the keyway thus locking the retaining blocks in operative relation to the rail. rEhe retaining pin 29 may now be inserted in the aligned apertures 23 and 28, and by striking the head of the pin, the lower end of the shank portion, by reason of its abutting relation with the metal tie plate D, will be caused to expand into the enlarged lower portion of the aperture 23 for preventing easy or accidental withdrawal of the pin.

Referring now to the slightly modified forni of the invention as shown in Figures 9 to 13 inclusive, and which shows the device as used for fastening a main and a guard rail in parallel spaced relation; the tie plate D has provided in merely one end thereof a longitudinally extending dovctailed recess 30 which is identical in forniation to the recesses shown in Figures l 'to 8 inclusive, and is also provided with siinilarly formed keyways 31 for receiving the keys F for retaining the block E in adjusted relation at the outer side of the inain rail A. This plate D has in addition to the recess 30, an intermediate keyway 32 disposed between the seats of the main rail A and guard rail A', and an inner keyway 33 disposed inwardly of the seat of the guard rail. These keyways 32 and 33 are formed siinilar to the keyways 11.-l, and have the slots which are provided at the upper portions thereof, extending in planes parallel to the rails. Apertures 34e are also provided in the plate in transverse alignment with each of the keyways 32 and 33.

n. spacing cla ip 35 for positioning laetween the main and guard rails, consists of a double bossed head 36 having a laterally extending arm 37 provided at its free end reassess ith an aperture 38, and depending from the head, is a shank portion'f-SQ having wings Ll() formed at its free end.

A retaining clamp Lll foi-'positioning at the inner side of the guard rail A', consists of ahead 42 having a laterally extending arm provided at its free end with an aperture del, and depending from the head, is a shank portion l5 having wings ab formed at its free end.

In practice when the device is employed for fastening a main andV a guard rail in parallel spaced relationT the spacing clamp may first be locked in an operative position in the leyway 32 by a retaining pin il?, The main rail may then be slid into position beneath one boss of the spacing clamp, and the retaining block E slid in to operative relation as in the form shown in Figures 1-8 inclusive. The retaining clamp el-'l may then be inserted in the` lreyway 33 and swung into operative locked relation with the inner iiange of the guard rail, and locked in this position by a retaining pin 48.

From the foregoing description of this invention it will be apparent that a novel and ecient rail fastening device has been provided wherein the rail engaging elements of the device will be locked inV operative relation to the rail in a manner as to eliminate all possibility of their working loose due to vibration -or other causes.

Various changes maj,7 be made as to the shape size and arrangement of parts herein shown and` described, without departing from the `spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims.

I claim l. A rail fastener comprising a tie plate having' guideways provided in its upper face, and lreyways in said plate; retaining blocks slidable in said guideways, having rail engaging portions for engaging the upper portion of the base `flange of the rail, and being provided with slots for alignnient with said keyways; means for securing the tie plate upon its supporting tie; and rotatable locking means adapted to extend through the aligned keyways and slots for locking the retaining blocks in operative relation to the rail. i

2. In a rail fastener, the combination of a tie plate having a guideway provided in its upper face, and a keyway in said pla-te; a retaining block slidable in said guideway, having a rail engaging portion for engagement with the base flange of the rail, and being provided with a slot for alignment with said heyway; means for securing the tie plate upon its supporting tie; and locking means extending through the aligned keyway and slot, and lying wholly above the lower surface of the tie plate, for loclring the retaining blocks in operative relation to the rail.

ing tie: and rotatable locking means exterieing through the aligned slot and keyway for preventing lateral movement of the retaining block with respect to the rail.

Ll. In a rail fastener'.la the combination of a tie plate having a recess provided at one end of its upper facie and extending in a lateral direction with respect to the rail, and having keyways disposed at opposite sides of the recess; a retaining block slidable in said recess having a rail engaging boss formed on the upper face thereof, and being provided at opposite sides of the boss with slots` r alignn'ient with said keyways; and locking means extendingl through the aligned slots and heyways for locking the retaining blocks in operative relation to the rail.

In a rail fastener, the combination of a tie plate having a recess provided at one end of its upper face and extending in a lateral direction with respect to the rail7 and having lreyways disposed atk opposite sides of the recess: a retaining block slidable in said recess having a rail engaging boss formed onthe upper face thereof, and being provided at opposite sides of the bosswith slots for alignment with said lreyways; rotatable keys extending 'through the aligned slots and keyways for holding said retaining blocks in operative relation to the rail 'g ann means for retaining said'rotatable keys in a locked condition.

6. In a rail fastener, the combination of a tie plate having a guideway provided at one end of its upper face, and a lreyw y formed at its upper portion with an elongated slot providing a shoulder in the keyway; a retaining block slidable in said guideway having a rail engaging portion, and a slot conforming in shape to the slot in said tie plate; a rotatable key extending through the slot in the retaining block and into said keyway, and being provided with wings for engaging beneath the shoulder when the lrey is rotated; and means for retaining the rotatable lrey in a locked operative position.

7. In a rail fastener, the combination of a tie plate having a guideway provided in its upper face, and a lreyway formed with a shoulder; a retaining block slidable in said guideway for engaging the base flange of the rail, having a slot for alignment with said keyway and an aperture having an outwardly flaring lower portion; a rotatable fil key having an arm provided with an aperture, and having a shank portion erguiding through the aligned slot and keyway provided with wings for loeliing engi ment beneath the shoulder in said keys` upon rotation of the key; and a retaAM pin extending through the aligned ap tures in the key arm and retaining )li with its shank portion in abuttiigv relation with the upper face of the tie plate, whereby upon striking the head of the pin, the lower portion of the shank will be Caused to expand into the enlarged lower portion of the aperture in the retaining block.

S. In a rail fastener, the combin e ion of a tie plate having a guidewf provided at one end of its upper face and extending in a lateral direction with respect to the rail, and having an aperture in said guideway; a spike passing through the aperture in said guideway and engaging the upper portion of the base flange of the rail; a retainiii block slidable in said guideway, having a rail engaging boss overlying said spike and provided in its forward end with slot having an upwardly and outwardly inclined top wall for engaging the head of the spike g and means for locking the retaining block in operative engagement with the rail.

9. In a rail fastener, the combination of a tie plate having a guideway provided at one end of its upper face and extending in a lateral direction with respect to the raiL and having an aperture in said guideway; a spike passing through the aperture in said guideway and engaging the upper portion of the base flange of the rail; a retaining block slidable in said guideway, having a boss for engaging the upper portion of the rail base in overlying relation to the spike and a tenon having a divided portion straddling the spike and engaging the under portion of the rail base, the divided portion of the tenon forming a slot having an upwardly and outwardly inclined top wall adapted to engage the head of the spike for forcing the head into tight engagement with the base flange; and means for locking the retaining block in operative engagement with the rail.

l0. A rail fastener comprising a tie plate having guideways provided at each end of its upper face in offset relation and extending in a lateral direction with respect to the rail, and keyways disposed at opposite sides of the guideways; spikes extending through apertures in said guideways and engaging the base flange of the rail for securing the rail to the tie plate, and the tie plate upon its supporting tie; retaining blocks slidable in said guideways for engaging the base flange at opposite sides of the rail, and being provided with slots for 'aligning with the keyways in said tie plate; and locking means extending through the aligned slots and keyways for retaining the blocks in operative relation to the rail.

ll. A rail fastener comprising a tie plate having dovetailed recesses provided at each end of its upper face and extending in a lateral direction with respect to the rail, and keyways disposed at opposite sides of the recesses; spikes extending through apertures in said guideways and engaging the base iiange of the rail for securing the rail to the tie plate, and the tie plate upon its supporting tie; retaining blocks formed with a base plate having a dovetailed tenon formed on its lower face and a rail engaging boss formed on its upper face in overlying relation to the tenon, and having slots provided in the base plate at opposite sides of the boss aligning with the keyways in said tie plate; and rotatable locking keys extending through the aligned slots and keyways for locking the blocks in operative relation at opposite sides of the rail.

l2. In a rail fastener for a main and a guardl rail`r the combination of a tie plate having keyways formed therein at each side of the seating surface of the main and the guard rail; rail engaging` members having key portions adapted to extend into said keyways for locking engagement therein upon rotation of the key portions; and means for retaining the key portions in a locked condition.

13. A rail fastener for main and guard rails, comprising a tie plate having a guide way provided in one end thereof adjacent the seat of the main rail, and having keyways provided at each side of the guideway, an intermediate keyway between the seats of the main and. guard rail, and a keyway inwardly of the seat of the guard rail; a retaining block slidable in the guideway and engaging the outer portion of the base flange of the main rail; means for locking the block in operative relation to the rail; a spaeing clamp adapted for rotary movement into locking relation in said intermediate keyway and having a double bossed head for engaging the adjacent portions of the base anges of the main and guard rails; a retaining clamp adapted for rotary movement into locking relation in said inner keyway, and having a bossed head for engaging the inner portion of the base flange of the guard rail; and means for securing the tie plate upon its supporting tie.

' ROCCO PRONINI. 

